Department of Christian Ministries
Ministry–Worship and Creative Arts Concentration
worship team leading praise chapel
Department of Christian Ministries

Ministry–Worship and Creative Arts Concentration


  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Undergraduate

125 credits

required for program

PSEO/Early college online classes

125 credits

125 credits

required for program

PSEO/Early college online classes

Build a foundation in music, ministry, and technology.

The Worship and Creative Arts Concentration may be right for you if you

  • have a passion for leading
  • enjoy singing
  • are eager to learn about music and worship

Why study ministry at Northwestern?

Northwestern has been training the next generation of church leaders, missionaries, nonprofit leaders, and other ministers for over 100 years. Making us one of the best places to study the Bible in Minnesota and the nation. With our small class sizes, you'll get hands-on attention from experienced ministry professionals with years of experience in the field.

Students complete a minimum of 20 credits in music ministry and technology. Classes include Music Ministry Foundations, Music in World Cultures, and Technology in Worship.

Considering a double major?

The Bachelor of Science in Ministry with a Worship and Creative Arts concentration works well as a double major with a B.S. in Music with an emphasis in Music Ministry major.

Accelerated MA in Ministry Leadership

Students may apply through the Ministry department to combine an undergraduate degree in Ministry with an accelerated Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership. Ministry majors complete up to 16 credits of the MA degree during their undergraduate program and the remaining 20 credits during the fifth year of study. The fifth-year can be completed on-site or through online learning. This pathway saves students time and tuition expense as they add a graduate degree to their portfolio.

Careers in ministry

There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in ministry.

What types of work are related to this degree?

  • Campus ministry
  • Christian education
  • Curriculum development (church/para-church)
  • Ministry support or coordination
  • Pastoral roles
  • Para-church ministry worker
  • Social/human services worker or case manager
  • Camp administrator
  • Fund development
  • Disaster/aid relief worker
  • Program administration or development
  • Dorm parent/international school or residential treatment facility
  • Missions or tent making ministry
  • Residence life or student development
  • Job development or life skills coaching

Who employs people with this degree?

  • Christian colleges
  • Local churches and denominational offices
  • Mission agencies
  • Parachurch organizations
  • Social and human services organizations
  • Educational programs (non-licensure)
  • Curriculum publishing companies
  • Residential treatment programs
  • Parks and recreation programs
  • Community services agencies/programs (financial, family planning, health and wellness, marriage, vocational, food/housing assistance, military family support)
  • National and international humanitarian aid organizations

Strategies for success:

  • Pursue mentoring relationships with ministry leaders you respect.
  • Subscribe to ministry publications and join ministry associations.
  • Obtain part-time, Summer, internship or volunteer experience in churches as well as hospitals, camps or overseas programs, or in advocacy or service-oriented programs addressing alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence, aging, poverty, disabilities, etc.
  • Serve as a peer mentor, resident assistant, or student advisor to cultivate leadership and program development skills.
  • Keep your finger on the pulse of pop culture, trends, and issues facing society. Know the trends that will affect your ministry.
  • Early in your career, you may need to supplement ministry income with other work.
View Career Guide
93%

of Northwestern ministry graduates had professional employment within 6 months

Students

complete 200 hours of ministry experience during internships

90%

of seniors grew in their relationship with God during their time at Northwestern

What will I learn?

You will learn to teach and lead others and help the church worship God through music and the creative arts.

Still have questions about this program or how to apply?

Our team is ready with answers!

Discover the Department of Christian Ministries


Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.


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